Author

Nigel Benton

About the author

Nigel Benton

Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management

Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.

With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.

Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.

In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.

He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).

In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.

As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.

Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.

His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.

His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well as caring for Stella the pug.

Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.

Merlin Entertainments’ Scott O’Neil set to replace Greg Norman as LIV Golf Chief Executive

In a move seen as hastening the merger of LIV Golf and the PGA, multiple media reports are advising that Scott O’Neil, Chief Executive of Merlin Entertainments is to replace Greg Norman…

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Nov 29, 2024 Nigel Benton Attractions / Events / Finance / Golf /

 
 

World Surf League to expand elite women’s competition for 2026 season

The World Surf League has announced that it is to increase the size of the women’s Championship Tour field from 18 surfers to 24 for each event as of its 2026 season. The new format…

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Nov 17, 2024 Nigel Benton Aquatics / Events / Sport /

 
 

Alta Global partnership with UFC Gym looks to drive pathway from mixed martial arts fandom to participation

NSW-founded martial arts and combat sports training technology company Alta Global has partnered with the UFC Gym Group in an initiative that aims to create a pathway from mixed martial arts…

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Nov 12, 2024 Nigel Benton Fitness / Marketing / Sport / Technology /

 
 

World Obesity Federation calls for global action on obesity

Highlighting that nearly 1 billion adults and 159 million children and adolescents live with obesity worldwide, the World Obesity Federation has shared its concern that, without coordinated…

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Nov 5, 2024 Nigel Benton Government / Marketing / Wellness /

 
 

Surf Park Central survey reveals that 83% of artificial wave attraction users are male

The vast majority of users of surf park attractions around the world are male according to recently released data Surf Park Central. Shared by Surf Park Central co-founder Jess Ponting…

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Nov 2, 2024 Nigel Benton Attractions / Marketing / Sport / Tourism / Waterparks /

 
 

IBM study shows sport fans as being ready to embrace AI-powered digital experiences

Sports fans’ collective appetite for data analytics is continuing to grow - as evidenced by a newly released IBM study and by several presentation at this week’s Australia Sports…

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Oct 26, 2024 Nigel Benton Sport / Technology /

 
 

Kai Tak Sports Park set to stage first event

Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Sports Park is set to stage its first event on Sunday, with 1,500 spectators expected to attend a local second division football match between Sai Kung and Wong Tai…

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Oct 25, 2024 Nigel Benton Events / Sport / Venues /